Okay, it’s confession time. I have ugly feet. Really ugly feet. Worse, I can’t really grow nails. I mean, they grow but then they peel like paper or painfully bend backwards when I catch them on something. It’s a medical condition that causes my nails to be like that, there’s no real fix for it. So I’ve struggled more than most to have pretty toes and fingernails.
I’ve only recently started doing my own pedicures at home. Mostly to try and control the calluses I have–which are thick enough to be bullet proof. It’s been amazing to see how quickly I’ve seen results and for very little effort or expense. Here’s my guide to a quick and easy home pedicure and I’m going to share a secret tip, something I’ve not seen anyone else suggest or use.
1. Soak feet in epsom salts to soften skin.
2.Use a foot file to slough off dead skin while feet are still wet (you can do this when feet are dry too, but it gets dusty).
3. Follow up with an intensive moisturizer and cover with socks.
4. Do this two to three times a week.
5. Moisturize your feet whenever you think about it. Every day would be good! (Don’t forget to read on for my big secret for pretty toes!)
That’s it. That’s all it takes to have beautiful, sandal ready feet. The foot file is probably the most expensive tool you’ll need. Foot files cost about $20 to $30, but are worth every penny. They are sturdy and made for heavy duty use.
After the foot file, the lotion you use will probably be your biggest expense. I am going to now share with you my super secret tip for smooth, sexy feet. It’s a glycolic acid lotion that I use on my elbows and sometimes on my arms for those little bumps we get during the winter months.
Glycolic acid is like having a foot file perpetual motion machine going on your feet. It works all day or all night to slough off dead skin. I like to use it at night and then the next morning, after my shower, when my feet are still wet I use the foot file again to peel off all the dead skin the lotion ate through. Then I put on some cocoa butter to moisturize my feet during the day.
I have no idea why no one has formally suggested using glycolic acid products in a pedicure. They actually even sell a glycolic acid cream specifically for heels and elbows, so it’s not completely unheard of. No one has advertised this though, for whatever reason.
The glycolic acid lotions I use are made by Glytone. I use both their regular body cream and the heel cream on my feet, it just depends on what I have on hand. Their heel cream is a stronger formulation though, so if you have bad calluses, start with that.
Here are some product links to get you started on uncovering the pretty toes hiding in your shoes. The foot file and epsom salts, you can pick up at any drugstore. Glytone is harder to find and will probably have to be ordered online. I’ve used Glytone for years and don’t hesitate to recommend them.
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